Triskaidekaphile MTG Card


Triskaidekaphile can swing the game by offering a unique card drawing ability when you have thirteen cards. The card’s instant speed activation provides strategic flexibility during play and keeps opponents on their toes. It embodies an alternate win condition that can be a surprising path to victory in the right deck.
Card setsReleased in 8 setsSee all
Mana cost
Converted mana cost2
RarityRare
TypeCreature — Human Wizard
Power 1
Toughness 3

Text of card

You have no maximum hand size. At the beginning of your upkeep, if you have exactly thirteen cards in your hand, you win the game. : Draw a card.

She's always willing to lend a hand. It just won't be her own.


Cards like Triskaidekaphile

Triskaidekaphile is a unique card in Magic: The Gathering with a curious ability centered around the number thirteen. A counterpart to consider is Laboratory Maniac, which also comes with an alternate win condition dependent on drawing from an empty library. While Laboratory Maniac’s ability can win you the game outright, Triskaidekaphile offers a steady advantage by allowing you to draw an additional card during your turn.

Another kindred spirit to this card is Thassa’s Oracle. Although the Oracle primarily functions by checking the cards in your library upon entering the battlefield, it shares the ultimate goal of maximizing your draw ability for a strategic win. Unlike Triskaidekaphile, it doesn’t come with the sustained draw ability, but it provides a direct path to victory if setup correctly. Jace, Wielder of Mysteries is another comparison, granting you a win with an empty library while also providing a way to draw cards. Unlike Triskaidekaphile, Jace comes with the higher flexibility and planeswalker perks.

In evaluating different strategies for leveraging card draw mechanics, Triskaidekaphile holds distinctive appeal among those who enjoy building their play around atypical win conditions and sustaining card advantage, highlighting its value in specialized MTG decks.

Laboratory Maniac - MTG Card versions
Thassa's Oracle - MTG Card versions
Jace, Wielder of Mysteries - MTG Card versions
Laboratory Maniac - MTG Card versions
Thassa's Oracle - MTG Card versions
Jace, Wielder of Mysteries - MTG Card versions

Cards similar to Triskaidekaphile by color, type and mana cost

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Vodalian Soldiers - MTG Card versions
Zephyr Falcon - MTG Card versions
Giant Albatross - MTG Card versions
Phantasmal Sphere - MTG Card versions
Skyshroud Condor - MTG Card versions
School of Piranha - MTG Card versions
Coral Merfolk - MTG Card versions
Wu Light Cavalry - MTG Card versions
Sea Eagle - MTG Card versions
Overtaker - MTG Card versions
Hazy Homunculus - MTG Card versions
Darting Merfolk - MTG Card versions
Thought Eater - MTG Card versions
Spellstutter Sprite - MTG Card versions
Sneaky Homunculus - MTG Card versions
Coral Eel - MTG Card versions
Storm Crow - MTG Card versions
Aquamoeba - MTG Card versions
Soratami Cloudskater - MTG Card versions
Minamo Sightbender - MTG Card versions

Decks using this card

MTG decks using Triskaidekaphile. Dig deeper into the strategy of decks, sideboard cards, list ideas and export to play in ARENA or MOL.

#NameFormatArchetypeEvent
UU PioneerPioneer Challenge 64 2024-04-13
Simic Cauldron ComboSimic Cauldron Combo StandardSimic Cauldron ComboTraditional Standard Ranked Decklists: March 25, 2024
Mono-Blue ControlMono-Blue Control Legacy1 LPL OPEN - SEASON V - Liga Paulista Legacy

Card Pros

Card Advantage: Triskaidekaphile grants the capability for you to draw additional cards when you reach precisely thirteen cards in hand. This unique condition can tip the scales by providing a surplus of options and strategic depth during gameplay, ensuring you never run out of steam.

Resource Acceleration: This card gives you the advantage of generating incremental advantage each turn, leading to a formidable resource acceleration. With an ability that interacts with your hand size, it links directly with the capacity to utilize more of your deck’s potential more rapidly.

Instant Speed: Triskaidekaphile boasts an activation ability that can be used at instant speed, allowing you to respond flexibly to the evolving game state. This can be a game-changer, as the threat of a potential massive card draw can deter opponents from making aggressive moves, all while keeping your strategic options open.


Card Cons

Discard Requirement: Triskaidekaphile demands that a player must have exactly thirteen cards in hand to win the game, which may require discarding valuable cards at inopportune moments to achieve this precise number. This situation can lead to a significant disadvantage, especially against opponents who can capitalize on your reduced hand.

Specific Mana Cost: Triskaidekaphile has a color-specific mana requirement, necessitating at least one blue source. This specificity can restrict the card’s inclusion only to blue or blue-inclusive decks, limiting its versatility across the diverse MTG landscape.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: With a cost of two mana, one of which must be blue, Triskaidekaphile might be considered a steep investment for its ability. Given that MTG offers a variety of lower-costing card draw or hand size increasing options, Triskaidekaphile’s cost-effectiveness is questionable in fast-paced games where efficiency is key to victory.


Reasons to Include in Your Collection

Versatility: Triskaidekaphile brings a unique flexibility to blue decks, catering to players who appreciate drawing extra cards. Its ability to draw a card at the beginning of your upkeep if you have exactly thirteen cards in your hand can turn games around in formats where hand sizes grow large.

Combo Potential: This card is a powerhouse in synergistic strategies focusing on hand size. It can combo with effects that let you draw more cards, or with strategies that care about the number of cards in your hand, amplifying its impact on the game.

Meta-Relevance: In a gameplay environment where holding onto a significant number of cards is beneficial, Triskaidekaphile can become a key component. Its ultimate ability allows for an alternative win condition that can catch opponents off guard, especially in control or combo-centric metas.


How to beat

Triskaidekaphile is a unique card in the world of Magic: The Gathering, offering players the chance to win the game if they possess exactly thirteen cards in hand as their turn begins. Though it might seem like a daunting task to overcome, there are strategies to disrupt its potential. Your game plan should include strategies for reducing your opponent’s hand size or controlling the card flow.

An effective tactic is to employ discard effects that trim down their card collection such as Thoughtseize or Duress. Alternatively, playing card draw denial spells can inhibit their ability to reach the critical thirteen-card threshold. Counterspells can also be a timely response to their attempts to draw additional cards, preventing them from setting up a win condition with Triskaidekaphile.

Another angle of approach is applying removal or direct damage spells to eliminate Triskaidekaphile before its effect can be activated. Hindering its owner from keeping a large hand size through symmetric or asymmetric discard strategies can significantly decrease their chances to leverage Triskaidekaphile’s winning capability.Keep these strategies in mind, and you’ll be better equipped to dismantle the game plan of a player relying on Triskaidekaphile.


BurnMana Recommendations

In quest of mastering your MTG gameplay with Triskaidekaphile in your arsenal? Given its ability to deliver card advantage, increase your resources, and win at instant speed, this card is a strategic gem for those who savor the thrill of controlling the game’s pace. Nonetheless, be savvy about the precision needed to flourish with Triskaidekaphile, as its power hinges on maintaining an exact number of cards and a supportive mana base. For enthusiasts eager to explore the full potential of Triskaidekaphile, delve into our in-depth discussions, strategies, and synergies. Let us guide you in refining your deck-building artistry and reveal how this card can become the cornerstone of your triumphs in the nuanced world of MTG. Your next victory awaits!


Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Triskaidekaphile MTG card by a specific set like Magic Online Promos and Magic Online Promos, there are several reliable options to consider. One of the primary sources is your local game store, where you can often find booster packs, individual cards, and preconstructed decks from current and some past sets. They often offer the added benefit of a community where you can trade with other players.

For a broader inventory, particularly of older sets, online marketplaces like TCGPlayer, Card Kingdom and Card Market offer extensive selections and allow you to search for cards from specific sets. Larger e-commerce platforms like eBay and Amazon also have listings from various sellers, which can be a good place to look for sealed product and rare finds.

Additionally, Magic’s official site often has a store locator and retailer lists for finding Wizards of the Coast licensed products. Remember to check for authenticity and the condition of the cards when purchasing, especially from individual sellers on larger marketplaces.

Below is a list of some store websites where you can buy the Triskaidekaphile and other MTG cards:

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Printings

The Triskaidekaphile Magic the Gathering card was released in 4 different sets between 2021-09-24 and 2022-01-28. Illustrated by 2 different artists.

#ReleasedNameCodeSymbolNumberFrameLayoutBorderArtist
12002-06-24Magic Online PromosPRM 939222015NormalBlackSlawomir Maniak
22002-06-24Magic Online PromosPRM 939262015NormalBlackMathias Kollros
32021-09-24Innistrad: Midnight HuntMID 3862015NormalBlackMathias Kollros
42021-09-24Innistrad: Midnight HuntMID 3422015NormalBlackSlawomir Maniak
52021-09-24Innistrad: Midnight Hunt PromosPMID 81s2015NormalBlackSlawomir Maniak
62021-09-24Innistrad: Midnight HuntMID 812015NormalBlackSlawomir Maniak
72021-09-24Innistrad: Midnight Hunt PromosPMID 81p2015NormalBlackSlawomir Maniak
82022-01-28Innistrad: Double FeatureDBL 812015NormalBlackSlawomir Maniak

Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Triskaidekaphile has restrictions

FormatLegality
StandardLegal
HistoricbrawlLegal
HistoricLegal
LegacyLegal
OathbreakerLegal
GladiatorLegal
PioneerLegal
CommanderLegal
ModernLegal
FutureLegal
VintageLegal
DuelLegal
ExplorerLegal
BrawlLegal
PennyLegal
TimelessLegal

Rules and information

The reference guide for Magic: The Gathering Triskaidekaphile card rulings provides official rulings, any errata issued, as well as a record of all the functional modifications that have occurred.

Date Text
2021-09-24 Triskaidekaphile's triggered ability will trigger only if you have exactly thirteen cards in your hand as your upkeep starts. If you have fewer cards in your hand, you won't be able to draw cards during your upkeep in time to cause the ability to trigger.